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Spring weather on the way (finally, we hope)

Planting season weeks behind
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The soggy cool weather the Cowichan Valley is experiencing so far this spring has local nurseries wishing for better days.

Bernie Dinter, owner of Duncan’s Dinter Nursery, said the bad weather in April has many gardeners putting off their planting until fairer weather arrives.

That means his inventory of flowers and plants that many usually put in the ground in April is backing up, while new ones that are usually planted in May are arriving.

The good news is that Environment Canada is forecasting more spring-like weather by this weekend that should continue well into next week.

“We’re backed up about three to four weeks,” Dinter said on a rainy May 1.

“We had a perfect spring season last year, but this year is the slowest start to spring that I can remember in my more than 40 years in the business.”

Dinter said he ordered his plants six months ago in preparation for the busy spring season, so it’s hard to predict the spring weather and how busy he’s going to be that far in advance.

“I hope warmer weather starts soon,” he said.

“I’m sure we’ll get busy all at once when spring really starts here.”

A spokeswoman for Environment Canada said it’s likely that Dinter will get his wish.

Meteorologist Alyssa Charbonneau said that while the wet and cool weather is forecast to continue through this week all across Vancouver Island, changes should start to happen on Friday.

She said a high pressure system from the Pacific Ocean is expected to move in over the Island, bringing warmer weather and clearer skies.

“That ridge of high pressure is forecast to stay in place until at least the middle of next week, bringing with it dryer weather,” Charbonneau said.

“The more long-range forecast is calling for about a 60 per cent chance for above normal temperatures for May, June and July on the Island and generally clear skies.”



Robert Barron

About the Author: Robert Barron

Since 2016, I've had had the pleasure of working with our dedicated staff and community in the Cowichan Valley.
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